Delhi govt to take over MCD’s urban roads, agency terms it political game

Months ahead of next year’s municipal elections, the Delhi government on Wednesday decided to take over maintenance of roads measuring 60 feet and above from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). This was decided in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in hospital, where she has been admitted for fever.

Months ahead of next year’s municipal elections, the Delhi government on Wednesday decided to take over maintenance of roads measuring 60 feet and above from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). This was decided in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in hospital, where she has been admitted for fever.

The MCD’s roads will now be maintained by the Delhi government and its agencies such as Public Works Department, Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation among others.

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“We had been receiving a number of complaints about the poor upkeep of MCD roads. Most of the roads are in a bad state and have potholes, making it difficult for the commuters,” said a senior Delhi government official.

The MCD termed the move as political. “It is all a political game the Government is playing ahead of elections. As per the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, they cannot take our roads without obtaining a NOC from us. Even the roads maintained by them are in a bad shape,” said Subhash Arya, leader of MCD House.